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Talent Gore
TRANSPORT and Infrastructural Development Minister Felix Mhona has raised concern over the increase in road traffic accidents adding that thorough investigations will be carried out to ascertain compliance to road safety requirements.
He was speaking after visiting victims of an accident in a bus, which was ferrying Anglicans to Rusape from a Bernard Mizeki pilgrimage in Marondera.
Seven people died, 48 escaped unhurt while 10 were injured with two of them critical.
The bus was carrying 66 passengers.
“On behalf of the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development and on my own behalf, I convey our heartfelt condolences to all the bereaved families,” he said.
“We mourn the demise of our beloved brothers and sisters who perished in this accident, our prayers are also with those who survived and the injured as they continue to receive treatment and care.
“We wish them speedy recuperation, the accident is yet another call to all transport operators, motorists, and members of the public to adhere to road traffic rules and exercise caution on the road.”
The Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Manicaland, Erick Ruwona, said the bus was carrying 62 pilgrims, and 54 of the passengers survived the accident.
“Eleven of the injured were taken to Rusape General Hospital for treatment. However, three of them who sustained serious injuries were later transferred to Victoria Chitepo Provincial Hospital, formerly Mutare Provincial Hospital, for urgent medical attention,” Bishop Ruwona said.
“However, we are deeply saddened to confirm that eight pilgrims remain unaccounted for, and we fear that they may have perished in the inferno.
“The Diocese is working closely with relevant authorities who include the District Administrator’s Office, the police and emergency services to ascertain the full details of the accident and to provide support and assistance to the affected families.”
Mathew Masinge
Online Reporter